Interesting Article

[scientist]

POISON for the Youths

By: Albert “DJ Alfy” Raffoul

In reading an article captioned “Busy period for Police….lawmen concerned about violence” on the June 6, 2008 edition of the New Chronicle, I noted with interest that each paragraph addressed to some degree the proliferation of violent incidents around our communities. I also noted with alarm that in the subsequent editions other inferences to violence were made, the culmination was the discovery last week of a headless body; a gruesome murder unprecedented in the history of Dominica.



We live in a society where violence is not only commonly seen on television, but where life is now imitating the art we see on TV. We are now experiencing some of the very things we see on TV right here in our small communities.



This article’s main objective is to seek to explain how our youth are targeted by the violent lyrical contents of the artists they seek to emulate. As a DJ with over 15 years of experience, I can say without fear of contradiction that many youths are attracted to songs based primarily on the rhythmic beat and not on the lyrics. Artists are aware of this factor, therefore those with a message to “preach” use the beat as the vehicle to capture the audience. One such artist with very catchy beats is the Jamaican artist Mavado, who’s real name is David Constantine Brooks. Mavado, whose latest album entitled “Gangster for Life” (released in 2007) is scheduled to perform in Dominica in July 2008.



One of Mavado’s trends is his propensity for using popular church songs in order to capture the ears of our youth, but changing around the lyrics in order to preach his own message. A typical example is the popular church song entitled “I am under the Rock.” Mavado has changed the word “Under” to “On”, as he chants: “I am on the rock.” The chorus continues: “I am on the rock; go tell my enemy, I am on the rock, Selassi guide me, and a me them cyaaa stop, I will never look back.”



The biblical reference on which the Christian song “I am under the Rock” is based is 1 Corinthians 10:4 which states that the children of Israel “Drank water from the Spiritual Rock that accompanied them, and that Rock was Christ.” Since many Caribbean contemporary songs tend to convey lyrics of double-meaning, many impressionable minds have interpreted Mavado’s inference to “I am on the rock, higher than I and I” as literally meaning “I am high on crack” since “rock” is one of the street names for crack cocaine. Thus, the song is seen by many as a clear glorification of crack cocaine by a musical icon that they seek to emulate.



In the intro of the song, the fourth line states: “My name is excellent.” This expression is deemed by many pundits as being blasphemous since Almighty God is the only one whose name is excellent. One therefore wonders who’s name is excellent. Is it Mavado’s, or is it someone else’s? In Matt.12:32 the bible clearly states that anyone who speaks blasphemously against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven.



Another popular church song which Mavado has rearranged is the cherished hymn “Amazing Grace.” But in characteristic fashion he has twisted it into a “Gun tune”. The chorus of his rendition states: “Amazing grace, shot fly tru face, the bwoy dem a trace, shoot up dem base, have the K’s (AK47 assault rifle) dem in case, dem try fi escape, none cyaa escape, when me gun blaze.” The violent content of the song is self-evident. Interestingly, our Minister for national security spoke recently of holding consultations to explore the imposition of stiffer penalties on persons having illegal firearms and ammunitions in their possession, yet we are bringing in an artist whose message is a clear undiluted glorification of the very gun culture that we are trying to put a stop to.



The verses of Mavado’s “Amazing Grace” rendition are even more graphical. As a parent, I find the contents very disturbing. Indeed, all parents should, because when shots start flying, it is the safety of our children that we first worry about.



Now some might argue that an artist has the right to freedom of speech. Sure, by all means we have the right to our own opinion, and we also have the right to express our opinion in the form of song. However, we must keep in mind the well known axiom that “Word take on flesh.” Two of hip-hop’s biggest artists: Notorious BIG and Tu-Pac both lived and died victims of the violent songs they sang about. One therefore wonders whether we have learnt anything from their mistakes.



Mel Cooke of the April 27, 2008 edition of the Jamaican Gleaner wrote: “Mavado’s often violently graphic lyrics deemed in various quarters as just about the closest thing to Salman Rushdie's Satanic Verses.”



In an effort to protect the young impressionable minds of its citizens, some Caribbean governments have taken proactive action by banning artists with such violent lyrical contents from performing on their shores.



In January 2008, the Trinidad Express blamed the music of Mavado for the stabbing of a student. As a result of this, some DJs in Trinidad & Tobago have reportedly refused to play his music.



In an editorial in Barbados’ premiere newspaper The Nation, Mr. Haynes, one of the island’s leading reporters called for all radio stations to ban Mavado’s music.



At a press conference held in Georgetown Guyana on 28th April 2008, Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee told reporters that Mavado is seen as a security risk to the country. The decision to blacklist the Jamaican was taken by the Bharrat Jagdeo administration after careful consideration of their track record, reported Radio Jamaica.



As for how such actions will impact on Mavado’s career, Jones-Griffiths, Mavado’s manager said in the Jamaica Star that “This type of action does not do anything to cease Mavado’s momentum and popularity, if anything, it just adds to his legend.”



Artists are clearly using the violent lyrical contents of their songs to lure youths into deviant practices, and are using publicity concerns from media as a step-up tool for gaining popularity. I believe that it is absolutely hypocritical for us to lament the proliferation of crimes, drugs and violence in our country while we open our front doors wide to persons who glamorize these heinous activities.



Food for thought: 1 Corinthians 10:21 clearly says that: “You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons.”



Let me reiterate that this article is not meant to condemn anyone, but to educate and enlighten us. Knowledge is power. As the WCK song says, “Either you In, or either you Out.” The choice is yours. May God grant you wisdom to choose wisely. God’s blessings on all.

[ceelos]

ya man ya man.. Nuff probs to alfy for that article there so. Its about time our people start to wake up and smell the coffee. Jus today Val cuffy was on radio talking about God blessing mister with the talent he have there. Shame on our leaders!! They can do better than that. thanks for posting this scientist..

[TROJAN - X]

very interesting i must say,

i jus listened to the album now there after reading this and the song lyrics are correct to what alfy says.

becuase u know the song as a church song u sing it as one but then again ur not singing what he is

knowledge is really power

[TheGoodGuy]

boy I hear so much people sing that song not knowing what they are saying.

"Matt.12:32 the bible clearly states that anyone who speaks blasphemously against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven."

Music is a powerful influence.. Lucifer was the angel of music.. Its very important that people learn about their favorite artist, and listen to what is being said, the devil manifest his evil deeds through many forms. I would think music would be the easiest form for him.

Like Alfy said.. "knowledge is power".. and that is my 2 cents.

Amen. lol

[ceelos]

NO Movado NEXT WEEK????

By: Midian "DJ Midian” Pacquette

I understand that some people don't support the Jamaican dancehall artist Movado .....but no one is perfect and we all have our short comming's.....

what i don't understand and what i would not support is if that group of people would try to block a whole show which is already organized .....


tickets have already been sold ....so what do organizers have to do refund every one for your sake?

I remember when Dj Alfy (slaughter House)was holding pasa pasa shows round the island and the bishop was on his back to stop it ....he did not like it one bit...
He came out a few months later saying that he was Re_ born and now living a life of god....which i think is a good thing...


but don't try blocking peoples business when you know you did'nt like it when they were trying to block ur business ...

if your against it your against it ......I respect that ....... but don't try to stop what you have no business in ....
this is just an email saying that i think u should mind what you do and say ......and concentrate on ur own business....


I respect you for what you do ,, but i think u crossing the line ...

thats all for now ..... no hard feelings ,, you can take it how you want ...
if you wanna take it further we can take it furthur (All secrets out) so people can see what the poison really is .... you would not believe who has fire for you....and would just love to see you on their Grill frying ....if you listened to my show today you would know ..... so just chill Alfy if you have any questions you know my number ...

Blessings my Zion Praise Brother

P.S ...That's just from my point of view.

you must Listen to the Movado Track 'My Enemies' he speaks about you in that song.

after reading this email you might be a little angry and i expect that but since you say you are that changed man and living a christian life you should be man enough to face me and talk to me personally and explain just what exactly your mission is

[TROJAN - X]

yes i jahhh,

now thats a comback there !!

still for all we are entitled to our opinions and give our views.


You can always bring a horse to the edge of the river , but you cant make it drink !
likewise, we can educate ppl on the good or the bad in society, but you cant make everybodys choice for them.

everybody gotta think for themselves and make a decision for thereselves.
lets jus see whats happens in the future..


my 2 cents

[Preppy]

all that over movado and some words? there are bigger problems that need addressing IMO. my 2 pence.

[ceelos]

preppy. open your eyes. its those little things that cause the bigger problems first step to solving then is to start at the root of them. this jus one avenue

[grandprix]

I understand this situation for both points pf view. Alfys' ground for his arguement is morrally correct and true however if that how dude earns his living alfy taking bread from the mans mouth.As he said tickets sold already and everyting done in place. It look like alfy might need to set up a board so they will have to seek approval before any artist come to the natur island.

[TROJAN - X]

thats asking fo trouble....

cuz if the board gains approval then no more WCMF neither CITP or those events